BigMommaNoMore

I had struggled with the problem "to tell or not to tell" ever since I got my surgery done on 8-27-12. I have lost 26 pounds and it is obvious on my 5'6" frame. Many people had been coming up to me and complimenting me on my weight loss and of course the common question is "how did ya do it?" I didn't want to lie or to mislead anyone and make them think that I did it by diet alone. I wanted to be real and let them know that it is ok to need help getting healthy. I had told a couple of people and their responses had all been positive. I decided on 9-22-12 to make it "Facebook official" because we all know that unless it is said on Facebook it hasn't been said right!!! LOL. Below is my post. I was amazed at the responses I got. I had 103 likes and over 60 comments (well wishes) in the matter of a couple of hours. People are really supportive. I write this because I know lots of people struggle with the issue of telling others. I hope in some way that I can be an inspiration and let them know that it is really ok for the world to know that you needed a little bit of help getting healthy and staying healthy. You would be surprised how many people honestly want to know more about the surgery and how many people don't know where to begin on their journey to health. I have had more inbox messages asking questions about how to go about looking into surgery than I can even answer in a day’s time. I don’t necessarily want to be the poster child for gastric sleeve but I want to be supportive and help those who don't know. THE FAMOUS FACEBOOK POST THAT STARTED IT ALL!! I've struggled for years with being a "big girl". I've joked about it to cover my tears. I've dieted and lost but I always regained everything I lost plus a little. Over the years, I have done every diet known to man. Realizing that I have so much to live for I made the decision to do something about my health. I knew I needed help to get this weight off and to keep it off forever. I didn't tell anyone about my plans except those that meant the very most to me, those who wouldn't judge me for choosing to do something drastic to improve my life and my health. Today, however I am making it "Facebook official" because I have reached my very first scale goal. On 8/27/12 I had gastric sleeve surgery done. I weighed in the day of surgery at 221 big ole heavy pounds. This morning as I stepped on the scales, big huge crocodile tears ran down my face as I saw the greatest sight. I weighed less than 200 pounds!!! I've lost 10 inches in my waist line alone already. I've dropped from a size 18 to a 14 pants. I don't want to be a stick girl just healthy enough that I may grow old watching my children live productive lives and to be able to run and play with my grand babies. I want to ALWAYS be a part of their life. This surgery was only a tool that i purchased. I've had to make major changes in my life to get to this point. I have quit drinking; I haven't had a “real” coke in two years, any diet drinks, carbonation, or caffeine in 8 months. I am eating very healthy and trying to exercise every day. I'm proud of my decision to take control of my weight rather than let it control me. I am on my way to a new healthier me and I am one happy girl!!

I didn't tell anyone except my boyfriend and my father and my children before surgery. I didn't want the negative criticisms or people asking "why". I am three weeks out now and down 21 pounds and it is obvious that I'm doing something right because I'm getting lots of compliments and questions about how much weight I've lost. I initially wasn't going to fess up to anyone but have since been telling everyone that asks. I plan to make it Facebook official the day that I am under 200 lbs which will be any day now. It has been really easy telling the truth and I've honestly had no one to be negative. I've had more people say "I've wondered or thought about doing weight loss surgery for a long time". I feel like I can help people who thought they had no hope now. There is an option and assistance to help get they weight off FOREVER!! Above all, I decided I wasn't going to lie about something I'm proud of. Yes, I had surgery to help me but I'm having to work for my goals still. Good luck to you and congrats on your decision to be healthier. Above all, do what you are comfortable with and what you can live with. Remember, Those that matter won't care what you've done to improve and lengthen your life and those that don't care don't matter.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery. You'll do great. Woodman did my surgery in Memphis on 8/27.

Was sleeved on 8/27. I wore a pair of size 18 shorts (snugly) to the hospital that morning. Yesterday I bought a pair of size 14 dress pants that fit perfect. I'm so excited!! Life is GOOD!!!

I had surgery on Monday 8/27. Came home 8/28, slept 8/29 away and went to work on 8/30. I work from home as well. I am a nurse and I work for a major insurance company i manage a division in one of their government benefits programs. It is 90% computer work. I tired easily for the first couple days but it was completely doable. You'll be feeling better in no time.

I had surgery on 8/27 and went back to work on 8/30. I don't do any lifting as I work from home on the computer. I didn't feel 100% but good enough to pull a 8-5. I think a week would be a good amount of time if you have a desk job. if you do lifting or more strenuous work you may need more time.

Your response to surgery sounds very similar to mine. I didn't have any major issues after surgery except a little nausea from the anesthesia. I didn't have a pain pump to push. I actually didnt need it. I took one dose of pain med while in hospital and really only took that to get some rest. Antiemetics were my best friend!! I've been home since late Tuesday night and all has been good. I am just a little sore from the larger incision but far from miserable. I have a little discomfort when I drink. I find it easiest to consume warm broths or Protein shakes that are blended with ice and are kinda creamy/thick. Water makes me feel like a swallowed a big ole rock that is sticking in my throat. I am pushing onward and downward. I am down 11 pounds since Monday!!! I can see the new thinner me coming around the corner!!! Good luck with your weightliss journey! I look forward to sharing this journey with you!!

Thank you all so much for the prayers and well wishes. Surgery itself went fine. I was one nauseated little gal all day after surgery. So bad that I couldn't lift my head from my pillow. I really didn't have a lot of pain except when I was dry heaving. I took antiemetics all day and finally some pain meds at about 11 pm. When I woke up at 3 am I was a new person. The only nausea I have felt today is when I passed my swallow test and Was allowed to have liquids. I'm not tolerating very much but I am sipping along the way. I was hoping to be released to go home today but it is appearing that it will be in the morning. I'm excited to get this past me and get to my "new" normal.

I am super excited (and a whole lot nervous). I am getting my sleeve in less than 3 hours. I've run the whole line of emotions: happy, sad, excited, and scared. I second guessed myself and my decision last night but I am up and ready this morning!! I am so ready to get on with my life and to actually live. Prayers to all the others going in for theirs today. I wish you success and a speedy recover. I'll see you on the losers bench in no time!! Prayers are welcome and much appreciated!!!

So glad that you are doing good. I had a driend who used him and loved him. I'm up in less than 24 hours for my turn at the knife. I'm in the middle of a roller coaster of emotions. Happy, scared, sad, excited!!! Please keep in touch we can support each other through this journey.

I am 8/27 as well. I am having my surgery in Memphis. One minute I'm so excited I can't stand myself then the next minute I am scared to death. I am a messed up bundle of emotions right now! Good luck to everyone and I'll be seeing you all on the losers bench in no time!!

Good luck to you!! Which surgeon are you using? I'm going with Goodman and I am sleeved on this coming Monday. I'm somewhere between elated and scared to death!!!

I'm in Bethel Springs about 15 miles from you. I am scheduled for Monday August 27 with Dr Woodman. I would love to have someone close to go on this journey with. When are you scheduled?

I too order some online but I also bought some in a Heath food store. Some of them are nasty and some have been wonderful. The by far are better than any others I have tried. They don't leave that "filmy" nasty aftertaste that others leave.

I've been trying different protein powders in anticipation of my surgery on 8-27-12. By far Syntrax Nectar are the best. I have also tried one of the isopure clear pre-bottled drinks in pineapple something and banana. It was tolerable but left a funny taste in my mouth. Syntrax Nectar is really good and doesn't carry that funky after taste!!

Good luck on your surgery tomorrow. Let me know how it goes!!

My name is Kelly. I am 41 years young. I have two wonderful children. My son is 22 and travels the world as a self employeed welder. My baby is 19 and is a sophomore in college planning to become a cardiothoracic surgeon someday. I have two of the most gorgeous blonde haired blue eyed grandbabies in the world ( boy age 3 1/2 and girl age 2) who absolutely light up my life. I love my kids...dont get me wong... But i would have had grandbabies first if i would have only known I am currently living with my boyfriend of 2 years in his home that we just completely remodeled. Ive never known a more supportive, loving, kind, generous, man in my life. He has been a Godsend for me. I am a very blessed woman. I was previously hostage to an abusive relationship with an addict. It took many years and lots of leaving and coming back to finally break free but I praise God everyday for the strength to do so. I have been a nurse for 20 years. I am the Region manager for a Long Term Care Program that serves elderly and disabled members to assist to keep them safely and cost effectively in their own home if possible. My history is primarily nursing home work. I love the geriatric population. I love nursing and the fact that my career choice allows me to help people. It is very rewarding. My hobbies are of course spending every possible waking moment with the grandbabies, photography, travel, and messing in the flowers and plants. We have a 100+ acre cattle farm deep in the country. I love watching the calfs play in the pasture. I also love to cook which brings us to the issue with weight; which of course brings us all together on this site. I have battled my weight all of my life. I was my thinnest the day my daughter was born but have gained steadily ever since. I am currently at 221 but my highest weight has been 240. I am 5'6". I am scheduled for the VSG in Memphis on next Monday the 27th. I am excited and a bit nervous too. Weve traveled to Florida for a week to help take my mind off the upcoming surgery and to keep me busy. (and what am i doing??? Laying on the beach reading about the surgery) I'm just ready to get down to being me again. I know that somewhere under all this excess weight is the slender me just waiting to come out. I look forward to following everyone's journey to success. God Bless and Good Luck!!

I'm scheduled for surgery 8/27 in Memphis....looking for other Tennesseans to share the journey with. I'm both excited and scared.